Method of stimulation fastigium nucleus to treat neurological disorders

ABSTRACT

A method of treating a neurological disorder comprises introducing an electrical stimulation lead within a patient&#39;s head, locating the stimulation lead within the 4 th  ventricle of the patient&#39;s head, and placing the stimulation lead adjacent the fastigium nucleus of the patient&#39;s brain. The method may further comprise stimulating the fastigium nucleus with the stimulation lead to treat the neurological disorder, for example, by increasing the flow of blood within the patient&#39;s brain.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/893,076, filed Jul. 16, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,286,879, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders, and inparticular, the treatment of neurological disorders, such as acutestroke, using electrical leads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several animal studies have disclosed that the electrical stimulation ofthe fastigium nucleus (FN), which forms a portion of the cerebellum, canhave dramatic effects on reducing the core infarction size andsurrounding penumbra after the onset of an ischemic stroke. For example,one study suggests that the stimulation of the FN for just one hourprovides ten days worth of neuroprotection. Another study suggests thatthe infarction volume can be reduced by at least forty percent when theFN is stimulated after a stroke. The mechanism used to provideneuroprotection via FN stimulation is not well understood, but thestudies have suggested that stimulation of the FN suppresses tissuedamaging inflammation of brain tissue otherwise brought on by theoverproduction of enzymes in response to the ischemic event. In all ofthe animal studies, the FN was electrically stimulated via a highlyinvasive surgical procedure.

Currently, the stimulation treatment of various neurological disordersin humans, including ischemic stroke, as well as Alzheimer's Disease,Parkinson's Disease, Tremor, and Epilepsy, can be accomplished via asubstantially invasive procedure, which involves first drilling a burrhole through the patient's cranium in order to gain access to the braintissue. A stimulation lead, and in particular, a lead with multipleelectrodes extending along its length, is then introduced through one ormore burr holes into contact with the selected brain tissue. In a deepbrain stimulation (DBS) procedure, typically used to treat Parkinson'sDisease, Tremor, and Epilepsy, the stimulation lead is advanced througha burr hole deep into the brain, e.g., the anterior thalamus,ventrolateral thalamus (Thal), internal segment of globus pallidus(GPi), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), subthalamic nucleus(STN), external segment of globus pallidus (GPe), and neostriatum. In acortical brain stimulation procedure, typically used to rehabilitatestroke victims, the lead is introduced through two burr holes and placedunderneath the dura matter in contact with the cortex of the brain.

Once the lead is properly located in contact with the selected braintissue, an electrical stimulator can be connected to the lead andoperated to convey therapeutic electrical energy to the selected braintissue. Depending on the period of treatment, the electrical stimulatormay be implanted, in which case, the proximal end of the lead or anextension lead can be subcutaneously routed from the burr holeunderneath the patient's scalp, down the neck, and into the chest orabdominal region in electrical connection with an implanted electricalstimulator.

Although the current brain stimulation techniques used to treatneurological disorders have proven to be successful, none of theprevious techniques suggest a less invasive approach for stimulating theFN to treat ischemic stroke. That is, such techniques are still quiteinvasive, requiring the cranium to be opened through at least one burrhole, and entirely delivered through brain tissue to reach thestimulation site.

Thus, there remains a need to provide an improved method of electricallystimulating the FN to treat neurological disorders, such as ischemicstroke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present inventions, a method oftreating a disorder in a patient is provided. The method particularlylends itself well to the treatment of neurological disorders—especiallythose disorders that can be alleviate by increasing the flow of bloodwithin the patient's brain, such as acute stroke, chronic transientischemic attack, cerebral vasospasm, and Alzheimer's Disease.

The method comprises introducing an electrical stimulation lead withinthe patient's head. The stimulation lead can, e.g., be intravascularlyintroduced into the head via the circulatory system or ventricularsystem, or introduced into the head through a cranial burr hole. Themethod further comprises advancing the stimulation lead within anintracranial vascular body. As examples, the vascular body can be anartery, such as a posterior inferior cerebellar artery, a vein, such asthe preculminate vein, or a ventricular body, such as the 4^(th)ventricle.

The method further comprises placing the stimulation lead adjacent aselected structure of the patient's brain, such as a hindbrain structureof the brain, e.g., the fastigium nucleus. The stimulation lead mayeither be placed in direct contact or indirect contact with thefastigium nucleus as long as the stimulation energy can be conveyed fromthe stimulation lead to the selected brain structure to provide thedesired therapeutic effect. In one method, the stimulation lead isconnected to a stimulation source, and electrical energy is conveyedfrom the stimulation source to the stimulation lead to treat thedisorder. Preferably, the stimulation increases the flow of blood in thepatient's brain to treat the disorder. In an optional method, the methodfurther comprises introducing another electrical stimulation lead withinthe head of the patient, and placing the other stimulation lead adjacentcortical tissue of the patient's brain, the stimulation of which treatsthe patient. For example, if the neurological disorder an acute stroke,stimulation of the cortical tissue may help rehabilitate the patient.

In accordance with another aspect of the present inventions, anothermethod of treating a neurological disorder in a patient is provided. Aswith the previous method, this method particularly lends itself well tothe treatment of neurological disorders—especially those disorders thatcan be alleviate by increasing the flow of blood within the patient'sbrain, such as acute stroke, chronic transient ischemic attack, cerebralvasospasm, and Alzheimer's Disease. The method comprises introducing anelectrical stimulation lead within the patient's head, locating thestimulation lead within the 4^(th) ventricle of the patient's head, andplacing the stimulation lead adjacent the fastigium nucleus of thepatient's brain.

In one method, the stimulation lead is introduced into the patient'shead via the ventricular system. For example, the stimulation lead canbe introduced into the patient's head by advancing the stimulation leadalong the intrathecal space along the spinal column of the patient. Inthis case, the stimulation lead may be located within the 4^(th)ventricle by advancing the stimulation lead from the intrathecal spaceinto the 4^(th) ventricle via the foramen of Magendie or one of theforamina of Luschka.

In another method, the stimulation lead is introduced into the patient'shead via a burr hole. In this case, the stimulation lead may be locatedwithin the 4^(th) ventricle by introducing the stimulation lead into the3^(rd) ventricle of the patient's head and advancing the stimulationlead from the 3^(rd) ventricle into the 4^(th) ventricle via the Sylvianaqueduct. The stimulation lead may be introduced into the 3^(rd)ventricle by advancing the stimulation lead from the burr hole throughthe frontal lobe of the patient's brain into the lateral ventricle ofthe patient's head, and from the lateral ventricle into the 3^(rd)ventricle via the foramen of Monroe.

One method comprises stimulating the fastigium nucleus with thestimulation lead to treat the neurological disorder, e.g., to increasethe flow of blood within the patient's brain. Another method comprisesintroducing another electrical stimulation lead within the head of thepatient, placing the other stimulation lead adjacent cortical tissue ofthe patient's brain, and stimulating the cortical tissue with the otherstimulation lead to rehabilitate the patient.

Other and further aspects and features of the invention will be evidentfrom reading the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, in which similar elements are referredto by common reference numerals. In order to better appreciate theadvantages and objects of the invention, reference should be made to theaccompanying drawings that illustrate the preferred embodiment(s). Thedrawings, however, depict the embodiment(s) of the invention, and shouldnot be taken as limiting its scope. With this caveat, the embodiment(s)of the invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an intravascular brain stimulation systemconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anintravascular stimulation lead that can be used in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a lateral view of one hemisphere of a patient's brain,particularly illustrating a method of intravascular routing of thestimulation lead of the system of FIG. 1 via the arterial system;

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of one hemisphere of a patient's brain,particularly illustrating a method of intravascular routing of thestimulation lead of the system of FIG. 1 to a site adjacent thefastigium nucleus via the venous system;

FIG. 5 is a lateral view of one hemisphere of a patient's brain,particularly illustrating a method of intravascular routing of thestimulation lead of the system of FIG. 1 to a site adjacent thefastigium nucleus via the ventricular system;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of one hemisphere of a patient's brain,particularly illustrating routing of the stimulation lead of the systemof FIG. 1 to a site adjacent the fastigium nucleus via a cranial burrhole and the ventricular system; and

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of ventricular system of a patient,particularly showing the introduction of stimulation leads within the4^(th) ventricle via different entry points.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an intravascular brain stimulation system 10constructed in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. In its simplest form, the stimulation system 10generally comprises a first stimulation lead 12 configured to beintroduced adjacent a selected structure of a patient's brain, and animplantable electrical stimulation source 14 configured for deliveringstimulation energy to the stimulation lead 12. In alternativeembodiments, multiple stimulation leads 12 can be provided.

The stimulation lead 12 comprises a flexible electrically conductivesignal wire 16 and a single electrode 18 mounted at the distal end ofthe wire 16 using suitable connection means, such as soldering orwelding. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrode 18 iscylindrically shaped and has a size that allows it to be deliveredthrough a delivery catheter. The wire 16 comprises an electricallyconductive core with an outer insulative layer. The length of the wire16 is preferably sized to extend from the selected stimulation site inthe brain (which in this case, is the fastigium nucleus located in thecerebellum of the brain) to the remotely located stimulation source 14,which will typically be located outside of the patient's body, but mayoptionally be implanted. The electrode 18 is composed of a biocompatibleand electrically conducting material, such as copper alloy, platinum,stainless steel, or nitinol. The electrically conducting material of theelectrode 18 can be further coated with platinum-iridium or gold toimprove its conduction properties, biocompatibility, and radiopacity. Toprevent blood clotting, the electrode lead 12 can be optionally coatedwith a non-thrombogenic agent.

Referring to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of a stimulationelectrode lead 12′ is shown. The stimulation lead 12′ is similar to thepreviously described stimulation lead 12, with the exception that itcomprises a pair of electrodes 18 (a proximal electrode 18(1) and adistal electrode 18(2)) and a pair of signal wires 16 respectivelycoupled to the pair of electrodes 18. The electrode pair 18 can besuitably formed, e.g., by mounting a pair of ring electrodes around anelectrically insulative cylindrical core 20, or by coating thecylindrical core 20 with electrically conductive material. The signalwires 16 extend through the cylindrical core 20 into contact with therespective electrodes 18(1) and 18(2). Thus, it can be appreciated thatthe stimulation lead 12′, by itself, can be operated in a bipolar mode.This is in contrast to the stimulation lead 12, which can be operated ina monopolar mode, or alternatively, can be operated in a bipolar mode inconjunction with another stimulation lead 12, as will be described infurther detail below.

It should be noted that the intravascular stimulation leads 12 or 12′may have different structures than that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.For example, the intravascular stimulation leads 12 or 12′ mayalternatively or optionally have a stent electrode, arrayed electrodestructure, basket electrode structure, inflatable electrode structure,helical electrode structure, etc., may take the form of a guidewire orcatheter, and may have optional blood occlusion features, such as aballoon or RF ablation electrode, the details of which are disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/744,319, entitled “Method ofIntravascularly Delivering Stimulation Leads into the Brain”, which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the implantable stimulation source 14 isdesigned to deliver electrical pulses to the stimulation lead 12 inaccordance with programmed parameters. In the preferred embodiment, thestimulation source 14 is programmed to output electrical pulses havingamplitudes varying from 0.1 to 20 volts, pulse widths varying from 0.02to 1.5 milliseconds, and repetition rates varying from 2 to 2500 Hertz.In the illustrated embodiment, the stimulation source 14 takes the formof a totally self-contained generator. The stimulation source 14 mayoptionally be configured to be implanted within the patient's body. Thestimulation source 14 is connected to the stimulation lead 12 is amonopolar arrangement, or may be connected to multiple stimulation leads12 or the stimulation lead 12′ in a monopolar arrangement or a bipolararrangement. Further details regarding stimulation sources and varioustechniques of connecting stimulation leads to stimulation sources aredescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/744,319, which haspreviously been incorporated herein by reference.

Having described the structure of the intravascular brain stimulationsystem 10, a preferred method of installing it within a patient's bodyin order to treat a diagnosed neurological disorder within the brain,and in particular an acute stroke, will now be described. In thepreferred method, the stimulation lead will be placed adjacent thefastigium nucleus (FN), which can then be electrically stimulated toincrease collateral blood flow within the brain, thereby reducing thesize of, or perhaps eliminating altogether, the infarction otherwiseresulting from the acute stroke.

In order to minimize the invasiveness of the procedure, at least aportion of the preexisting vasculature (e.g., the circulatory orventricular system) of the patient is utilized to gain access to the FN.This can be accomplished, e.g., by first introducing the stimulationlead into the patient's head via the selected vascular system and thenadvancing the stimulation lead within selected cerebral vascular bodieswithin that system until the active portion of the stimulation lead isadjacent the FN, or alternatively, by first non-vascularly introducingthe stimulation lead into the patient's head (e.g., through a burr holein the cranium) and then advancing the stimulation lead within vascularbodies of a selected vascular system until the stimulation lead isadjacent the FN. The former case is less invasive than the latter case,since it entirely uses the vasculature to both introduce the stimulationlead into the patient's head and, once inside the head, deliver thestimulation lead to a site adjacent the FN. Additional stimulation leadscan optionally be placed adjacent the FN as necessary.

A standard imaging system, such as Computed Tomography Angiography(CTA), fluoroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and/or ultrasound,and a standard delivery mechanism, such as a guide wire, deliverycatheter, and/or guide sheath (all not shown), can be used to facilitatedelivery of the stimulation lead into the patient's head and/or routethe stimulation lead to a location adjacent the FN. Of course, if thestimulation lead, itself takes the form of a guidewire or catheter, aseparate guide wire or catheter may not be needed. The stimulation leadmay be maintained within the vascular body adjacent the FN, such thatstimulation can be indirectly applied to the FN, or alternatively, canbe inserted through a puncture within the vascular body into directcontact with the FN with the aid of a stylet. If the stimulation leadhas an anchoring capability (e.g., it has as a stent electrode, arrayedelectrode structure, basket electrode structure, inflatable electrodestructure, helical electrode structure, etc), the stimulation lead canbe deployed in order to stabilize the stimulation lead relative to theFN. Further details describing the delivery and deployment ofstimulation leads into indirect or direct contact with brain tissue areprovided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/744,319, which haspreviously been incorporated herein by reference.

Optionally, another stimulation lead (which may be either similar as ordifferent from first stimulation lead) can be introduced adjacent otherstructures of the brain, and in this case, the cortical tissue of thebrain. This stimulation lead may be intravascularly placed adjacent thecortical tissue, e.g., along the superior saggital sinus (not shown), orepidurally or subdurally placed along the cortical tissue via a burrhole previously formed within the patient's cranium. Notably, assumingthat some damage to the brain has been caused by the stroke, electricalstimulation of the cortical tissue using the other stimulation lead mayhelp rehabilitate the patient. Further details describing the deliveryand deployment of stimulation leads into indirect or direct contact withcortical tissue are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/783,679, entitled “Method of Stimulating/Sensing Brain withCombination of Intravascularly and Non-Vascularly Delivered Leads,”which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

After the stimulation lead(s) have been deployed within the brain, theirproximal ends will remain outside of the patient's body after thestimulation deployment process is completed. For example, if astimulation lead is intravascularly introduced into the patient's headvia the circulatory system, the proximal end stimulation lead willextend from a venous or arterial access point. If the stimulation leadis intravascularly introduced into the patient's head via theventricular system, the proximal end of the stimulation lead will extendfrom the intrathecal space of the patient's spine. If the stimulationlead is introduced into the patient's head via a burr hole, the proximalend of the cranial burr hole will extend from the burr hole.

The exposed proximal ends of the stimulation lead(s) can then be coupledto the stimulation source in either a monopolar arrangement or a bipolararrangement. Typically, the stimulation lead used to stimulate the FNwill be left in the brain acutely (i.e., only during an operation andthen removed after the operation has been completed). In this case, thestimulation source will not be implanted, but instead will be locatedexternally to the patient. The optional cortical stimulation lead,however, should be left in the brain chronically or sub-chronically(i.e., less than six months) in order to provide rehabilitation of thepatient over an extended period of time. In this case, the stimulationsource will be implanted within the patient's body (e.g., in theclavical or chest region or behind the ear of the patient), and theoptional stimulation lead can be subcutaneously routed to thisimplantation site. The stimulation source may then be operated toprovide electrical stimulation energy to the FN, thereby minimizing thesize of the infarct created by the acute stroke, and optionally, provideelectrical stimulation energy to the cortical tissue, therebyrehabilitating the patient. Stimulation of the FN and cortical tissuemay be accomplished simultaneously, but typically, the FN will bestimulate to control the effects of the acute stroke, and the corticaltissue will then be subsequently stimulated to rehabilitate the patient.

As briefly discussed above, the stimulation lead can be placed adjacentthe FN via an intravascular body in any one of a variety of manners. Inone example shown in FIG. 3, the stimulation lead 12 is intravascularlydelivered into the patient's head 200 via an artery, and in this casethe vertebral artery 206, and then routed through select arteries withinthe cerebral arterial system until the electrode 18 of the lead 12 isadjacent the fastigium nucleus (FN) 202 of the cerebellum 204. The pointat which the arterial system can be accessed can be any remote accesspoint, including the vertebral artery 206, itself, or the femoral artery(not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the specific arterial route takenby the stimulation lead 12 to obtain access to the FN 202 from thevertebral artery 206 terminates in the posterior inferior cerebellarartery (PICA) 208 or an artery branching from the PICA 208. Notably, thePICA 208 in a typical adult human is approximately three millimetersfrom the FN 202, which should be sufficiently close enough to provideindirect therapeutic stimulation to the FN 202 via the PICA 208. Aspreviously discussed, however, the stimulation lead 12 can be insertedthrough a puncture within the PICA 208 into direct contact with the FN202 with the aid of a stylet.

In another example shown in FIG. 4, the stimulation lead 12 may beintravascularly delivered into the patient's head 200 via a vein, and inthis case the jugular vein 210, and then routed through select veinswithin the cerebral venous system until the electrode 18 of the lead 12is adjacent the fastigium nucleus (FN) 202. The point at which thearterial system can be accessed can be any remote access point,including the jugular vein 210, itself, or the femoral vein (not shown).As illustrated in FIG. 4, the specific venous route taken by thestimulation lead 12 to obtain access to the FN 202 from the jugular vein210 goes through the sigmoid sinus 212, the straight sinus 214, the veinof galen 216, and the superior cerebellar vein 218, and terminates inthe preculiminate vein 220. Notably, the preculminate vein 220 in atypical adult human is approximately 2-30 millimeters from the FN 202,which should be sufficiently close enough to provide indirecttherapeutic stimulation to the FN 202. As previously discussed, however,the stimulation lead 12 can be inserted through a puncture within thepreculminate vein 220 into direct contact with the FN 202 with the aidof a stylet.

In still another example shown in FIG. 5, the stimulation lead 12 may beintravascularly delivered into the patient's head 200 via theventricular system, and in this case the intrathecal space 222, and thenrouted through select ventricles of the brain until the electrode 18 ofthe lead 12 is adjacent the fastigium nucleus (FN) 202. The point atwhich the lead 12 is introduced into the intrathecal space 222 can beanywhere along the spinal column, but preferably, is in the lumbarregion or up near the cervical region. As best illustrated in FIG. 7,the specific ventricular route taken by the stimulation lead 12 toobtain access to the FN 202 from the intrathecal space 222 goes throughthe foramen of Magendie 225 or one of the foramina of Luschka 227 (onlyone shown in FIG. 7) and into the 4^(th) ventricle 224. Notably, the4^(th) ventricle 224 allows the stimulation lead 12 to be placed intodirect contact with the FN 202 without piercing the cerebellum 204. Ifdesired, the lead 12 may be positioned within the FN 202 by passingthrough the cerebellum 204 from the intrathecal space 222 or through thetissue wall of the 4^(th) ventricle 224.

As still another example shown in FIG. 6, the stimulation lead 12 may bedelivered into the patient's head 200 directly through the cranium 230,and in this case, a burr hole 232 within the cranium 230. In a mannersimilar to that used in a ventriculostomy procedure to treathydrocephalus, the stimulation lead 12, preferably with the aid of anendoscope (not shown) can then be routed through the frontal lobe 234,into the lateral ventricle 236, down through the foramen of Monroe 238to the 3^(rd) ventricle 226, and down through the Sylvian aqueduct 228into the 4^(th) ventricle 224 (best shown in FIG. 7). Optionally, asecond stimulation lead 12 may be delivered through the burr hole 232,and its electrode 18 placed in contact with the cortical tissue 203.

Although the previous FN delivery and stimulation methods have beendescribed as being used to treat acute stroke patients, they can also beused to treat patients who suffer from any other disease that can beameliorated by increase blood flow within the brain. For example,patients who suffer from chronic transient ischemic attacks can betreated by increasing the collateral blood flow within the brain.Patients who suffer from cerebral vasospasm as a result of anintracranial bleed to heat trauma can be treated by increasing the bloodflow within the brain, which can potentially dilate the spastic vessels.Alzheimer's patients may be treated by increasing the flow of bloodwithin the brain in order to help metabolize amlyoid plaques. Also,although the stimulation techniques described above using electricalstimulation leads, other types of stimulation can be applied to the FN.For example, a drug delivery tube conduit can be placed adjacent the FNfor delivering drugs thereto via a pump. Thus, stimulation of the FN canbe accomplished using drugs, alone, or in combination with electricalstimulation,

It should also be noted that other brain structures, such as the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) and possibly other hindbrain structures, such asthe cerebrum, Rostral Ventral Lateral Medulla, pons, medulla oblongata,the wall of the sylvian aqueduct, the wall of the 4th ventricle, andother brain stem structures, can also be stimulated via electricalstimulation leads and/or drugs in order to increase the amount of bloodflow to the brain. These brain structures can be intravascularlyaccessed via an appropriate intravascular body within the circulatory orventricular system.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it should be understood that the above discussion is notintended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. It will beobvious to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

1. A method of treating a neurological disorder in a patient,comprising: introducing an electrical stimulation lead within thepatient's head; locating the stimulation lead within the ventricularsystem of the patient; introducing the stimulation lead from theventricular system into the 4th ventricle of the patient's head; andplacing the stimulation lead adjacent the fastigium nucleus of thepatient's brain.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurologicaldisorder is a disorder that can be alleviated by increasing blood flowwithin the patient's brain.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theneurological disorder is an acute stroke.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the neurological disorder is selected from a group consisting ofacute stroke, chronic transient ischemic attack, cerebral vasospasm, andAlzheimer's Disease.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the stimulationlead is placed into direct contact with the fastigium nucleus.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the stimulation lead is introduced into thepatient's head by advancing the stimulation lead within the intrathecalspace along the spinal column of the patient.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the stimulation lead is located within the 4^(th) ventricle byadvancing the stimulation lead from the intrathecal space into the4^(th) ventricle via the foramen of Magendie.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the stimulation lead is located within the 4^(th) ventricle byadvancing the stimulation lead from the intrathecal space into the4^(th) ventricle via one of the foramina of Luschka.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the stimulation lead is introduced into the patient'shead via a burr hole.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the stimulationlead is located within the 4^(th) ventricle by introducing thestimulation lead into the 3^(rd) ventricle of the patient's head andadvancing the stimulation lead from the 3^(rd) ventricle into the 4^(th)ventricle via the Sylvian aqueduct.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe stimulation lead is introduced into the 3^(rd) ventricle byadvancing the stimulation lead from a burr hole through the frontal lobeof the patient's brain into the lateral ventricle of the patient's head,and from the lateral ventricle into the 3^(rd) ventricle via the foramenof Monroe.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising stimulating thefastigium nucleus with the stimulation lead to treat the neurologicaldisorder.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the stimulation of thefastigium nucleus increases the flow of blood within the patient'sbrain.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: introducinganother electrical stimulation lead within the head of the patient;placing the other stimulation lead adjacent cortical tissue of thepatient's brain; and stimulating the cortical tissue with the otherstimulation lead to rehabilitate the patient.
 15. A method of treating aneurological disorder in a patient, comprising: introducing anelectrical stimulation lead within the patient's head by advancing thestimulation lead within the intrathecal space along the spinal column ofthe patient; delivering the stimulation lead from the intrathecal spaceinto at least one ventricle of the patient's head; and placing thestimulation lead adjacent the fastigium nucleus of the patient's brain.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the stimulation lead is deliveredinto the 4^(th) ventricle by advancing the stimulation lead from theintrathecal space into the 4^(th) ventricle via at least one of theforamen of Magendie and one of the foramina of Luschka.
 17. The methodof claim 15, wherein the stimulation lead is delivered into the 4^(th)ventricle by advancing the stimulation lead from the intrathecal spaceinto the 4^(th) ventricle via the foramen of Magendie.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the stimulation lead is delivered into the 4^(th)ventricle by advancing the stimulation lead from the intrathecal spaceinto the 4^(th) ventricle via one of the foramina of Luschka.